Nelson Kootenay Lake Guide

Winter This is a powder paradise where mountain culture is as authentic as it gets. There are a number of explanations—15 in fact—as to why Powder Magazine chose the Nelson Kootenay Lake region as one of the “20 Best Places To Live To Ski” in North America.

Within an easy morning’s drive, there are several resorts including Whitewater Ski Resort, six cat-skiing operations, two heli-ski companies, six backcountry lodges and more touring than you’ll ever shred in a season.

Far out, but not out far, Nelson Kootenay Lake is located three hours’ driving time

seven hours from either Calgary

EDMONTON CALGARY

SEATTLE PORTLAND

The region is serviced by the West

Pedal throughout one of the most unique cycling destinations in the world, or get a leg up on one of hundreds of our scenic hiking routes, climbing trips or walking trails through ancient temperate rainforests and alpine ranges.

Kootenay Regional Airport, in nearby Castlegar,

For Riders, experience the quiet twisty roads with spectacular scenery around every turn. We’re Rider Friendly country, in every sense of the word!

Highway 3A from Kootenay Bay to Balfour. This

SPOKANE

with daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary.

The MV Osprey and MV Balfour ferries connect

35-45 minute trip is the longest and most scenic

KASLO

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS

free ferry ride in the world.

Check the ferry Schedule:

M

O

www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/kootenay_ferry.htm

BALFOUR

31

CRAWFORD BAY

I R

K

3A

3A

NELSON

3A

K

Tee up on superscenic mountainside fairways, fish for Kokanee salmon and trout, stroll, shop and dine, or pull up a seat at one of the warm weather season’s numerous festivals.

31

VANCOUVER

M O U N T A I N S

or Vancouver.

C E L L R U P

There’s accommodation of all sorts, from high-end to rugged and remote, easily accessed by car, camper, boots and bike. Camp under the stars. Or leisurely lounge poolside.

north of Spokane, Washington and

U N T A I N S

From sun-soaked sandy beaches to rivers and rapids, Nelson Kootenay Lake’s crystal clear waters are sure to float your boat.

L

And all this, within mere minutes of warm and wonderful après ski haunts offering delicious dining, historic pubs and soothing tubs.

Springtime here comes early and is quiet and lush. Summer sizzles.

And fall, warm and amazingly colourful, is outright electrified.

A four-seasons spectacle for the five senses

E

All winter, there’s pure Canadiana culture, with great snowmobiling, snowshoeing, rollicking local hockey tilts and yes…great fishing on Kootenay Lake!

Summer

S

From lift-accessed backcountry to multi-day adventures amidst epic isolation. Nordic skiing is easy to get to, with cross-country areas near Nelson, Whitewater, Kaslo and the nearby Slocan Valley; all track set, some by both day and night.

NelsonKootenayLake.com Printed in Canada.

Design by www.frolixdesign.com

Nelson

Kaslo

It’s a legendary little city where metropolitan meets the mountains, heritage and hip live side by side, and celebrations abound year ‘round.

Over a century ago, it was the heart of the gold and silver boom that helped build British Columbia. Today, Kaslo is coveted for its picture-perfect location, international-calibre backcountry and history that once made a very big splash…

With over 350 heritage buildings, the aptly nicknamed Heritage City is perfect for visitors who want a little taste of it all, away from it all.

Perfectly secluded.

Notoriously charming.

And set against a backdrop of incomparable peaks, beaches, fairways and fall lines...

Quietly famous for its trademark mix of culture, adventure, history and undeniably

From the historic Capitol Theatre to the state-of-the-art Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History and exhibit venue, one of North America’s best little music, theatre and arts scenes thrives amongst Baker Street’s surprisingly diverse selection of boutiques, independent retailers, outdoor stores and literally dozens of bistros, cafés and restaurants.

And the fun runs year ‘round, with events like summertime Art Walks, street and park markets, early autumn’s rumbling Queen City Cruise and winter’s steep, deep Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest.

Balfour/Ainsworth Hot Springs Two communities as serene as can be, cradled by the towering Selkirk and Purcell ranges, tee boxes, fishing docks, cottage beachfronts and simmering, soothing, natural hot springs.

Balfour is located in the heart of the Nelson Kootenay Lake region, and terminal for the 250-passenger MV Osprey 2000, which provides the longest free ferry ride in the world.

Here on Kootenay Lake and its beautiful West Arm there’s great fishing, boating, beach time and golf at the Balfour Golf Course, one of Western Canada’s most scenic and little-known 18-hole tracks.

A few minutes north, atop Kootenay Lake’s rugged western shoreline, the naturally steaming pools and caves of Ainsworth Hot Springs guarantee relaxation for folks in need of a soak or a few laidback days poolside.

Kaslo’s four-season allure rests in its incredible landscape and abundant wildlife — the village is surrounded by four provincial parks and conservation areas.

It’s heritage-rich main street takes you back to smalltown shopping the way it used to be, with smiling faces behind the counters of long-time local shops, eateries, galleries, and a number of artisan studios.

Kaslo’s claim to heritage fame is two-fold. Both the 162 foot SS Moyie—the world’s oldest intact sternwheeler—and the Village Hall are National Heritage Sites. Along with the Langham Cultural Centre, many of the community’s Victorian storefronts are beautifully restored.

The village’s frontiersman spirit roars loudest and proudest during Kaslo May Days and Logger Sports, followed by the renowned Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival.

In the summer, Meadow Creek is the gateway to Lardeau Country and some of the finest wilderness hiking, adventure and wildlife viewing in the region, while throughout the winter, the area offers some of the planet’s best cat and helicopter skiing.

authentic personality, the Nelson Kootenay Lake region is a destination unlike any other, anywhere.

This is a calm, wondrous part of the world, with over 200 kilometres (124 miles) of lakeshore and two legendary mountain ranges to explore.

Whether you come to see it, tee it or ski it, this historic corner of British Columbia, Canada, offers a rare mix of mountain lifestyle and all-but-metropolitan buzz, throughout four distinct seasons.

Nelson Kootenay Lake.

N e l s o n K o o t e n a y L a k e . c o m

Nelson

Kaslo

It’s a legendary little city where metropolitan meets the mountains, heritage and hip live side by side, and celebrations abound year ‘round.

Over a century ago, it was the heart of the gold and silver boom that helped build British Columbia. Today, Kaslo is coveted for its picture-perfect location, international-calibre backcountry and history that once made a very big splash…

With over 350 heritage buildings, the aptly nicknamed Heritage City is perfect for visitors who want a little taste of it all, away from it all.

Perfectly secluded.

Notoriously charming.

And set against a backdrop of incomparable peaks, beaches, fairways and fall lines...

Quietly famous for its trademark mix of culture, adventure, history and undeniably

From the historic Capitol Theatre to the state-of-the-art Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History and exhibit venue, one of North America’s best little music, theatre and arts scenes thrives amongst Baker Street’s surprisingly diverse selection of boutiques, independent retailers, outdoor stores and literally dozens of bistros, cafés and restaurants.

And the fun runs year ‘round, with events like summertime Art Walks, street and park markets, early autumn’s rumbling Queen City Cruise and winter’s steep, deep Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest.

Balfour/Ainsworth Hot Springs Two communities as serene as can be, cradled by the towering Selkirk and Purcell ranges, tee boxes, fishing docks, cottage beachfronts and simmering, soothing, natural hot springs.

Balfour is located in the heart of the Nelson Kootenay Lake region, and terminal for the 250-passenger MV Osprey 2000, which provides the longest free ferry ride in the world.

Here on Kootenay Lake and its beautiful West Arm there’s great fishing, boating, beach time and golf at the Balfour Golf Course, one of Western Canada’s most scenic and little-known 18-hole tracks.

A few minutes north, atop Kootenay Lake’s rugged western shoreline, the naturally steaming pools and caves of Ainsworth Hot Springs guarantee relaxation for folks in need of a soak or a few laidback days poolside.

Kaslo’s four-season allure rests in its incredible landscape and abundant wildlife — the village is surrounded by four provincial parks and conservation areas.

It’s heritage-rich main street takes you back to smalltown shopping the way it used to be, with smiling faces behind the counters of long-time local shops, eateries, galleries, and a number of artisan studios.

Kaslo’s claim to heritage fame is two-fold. Both the 162 foot SS Moyie—the world’s oldest intact sternwheeler—and the Village Hall are National Heritage Sites. Along with the Langham Cultural Centre, many of the community’s Victorian storefronts are beautifully restored.

The village’s frontiersman spirit roars loudest and proudest during Kaslo May Days and Logger Sports, followed by the renowned Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival.

In the summer, Meadow Creek is the gateway to Lardeau Country and some of the finest wilderness hiking, adventure and wildlife viewing in the region, while throughout the winter, the area offers some of the planet’s best cat and helicopter skiing.

authentic personality, the Nelson Kootenay Lake region is a destination unlike any other, anywhere.

This is a calm, wondrous part of the world, with over 200 kilometres (124 miles) of lakeshore and two legendary mountain ranges to explore.

Whether you come to see it, tee it or ski it, this historic corner of British Columbia, Canada, offers a rare mix of mountain lifestyle and all-but-metropolitan buzz, throughout four distinct seasons.

Nelson Kootenay Lake.

N e l s o n K o o t e n a y L a k e . c o m

Nelson

Kaslo

It’s a legendary little city where metropolitan meets the mountains, heritage and hip live side by side, and celebrations abound year ‘round.

Over a century ago, it was the heart of the gold and silver boom that helped build British Columbia. Today, Kaslo is coveted for its picture-perfect location, international-calibre backcountry and history that once made a very big splash…

With over 350 heritage buildings, the aptly nicknamed Heritage City is perfect for visitors who want a little taste of it all, away from it all.

Perfectly secluded.

Notoriously charming.

And set against a backdrop of incomparable peaks, beaches, fairways and fall lines...

Quietly famous for its trademark mix of culture, adventure, history and undeniably

From the historic Capitol Theatre to the state-of-the-art Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History and exhibit venue, one of North America’s best little music, theatre and arts scenes thrives amongst Baker Street’s surprisingly diverse selection of boutiques, independent retailers, outdoor stores and literally dozens of bistros, cafés and restaurants.

And the fun runs year ‘round, with events like summertime Art Walks, street and park markets, early autumn’s rumbling Queen City Cruise and winter’s steep, deep Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest.

Balfour/Ainsworth Hot Springs Two communities as serene as can be, cradled by the towering Selkirk and Purcell ranges, tee boxes, fishing docks, cottage beachfronts and simmering, soothing, natural hot springs.

Balfour is located in the heart of the Nelson Kootenay Lake region, and terminal for the 250-passenger MV Osprey 2000, which provides the longest free ferry ride in the world.

Here on Kootenay Lake and its beautiful West Arm there’s great fishing, boating, beach time and golf at the Balfour Golf Course, one of Western Canada’s most scenic and little-known 18-hole tracks.

A few minutes north, atop Kootenay Lake’s rugged western shoreline, the naturally steaming pools and caves of Ainsworth Hot Springs guarantee relaxation for folks in need of a soak or a few laidback days poolside.

Kaslo’s four-season allure rests in its incredible landscape and abundant wildlife — the village is surrounded by four provincial parks and conservation areas.

It’s heritage-rich main street takes you back to smalltown shopping the way it used to be, with smiling faces behind the counters of long-time local shops, eateries, galleries, and a number of artisan studios.

Kaslo’s claim to heritage fame is two-fold. Both the 162 foot SS Moyie—the world’s oldest intact sternwheeler—and the Village Hall are National Heritage Sites. Along with the Langham Cultural Centre, many of the community’s Victorian storefronts are beautifully restored.

The village’s frontiersman spirit roars loudest and proudest during Kaslo May Days and Logger Sports, followed by the renowned Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival.

In the summer, Meadow Creek is the gateway to Lardeau Country and some of the finest wilderness hiking, adventure and wildlife viewing in the region, while throughout the winter, the area offers some of the planet’s best cat and helicopter skiing.

authentic personality, the Nelson Kootenay Lake region is a destination unlike any other, anywhere.

This is a calm, wondrous part of the world, with over 200 kilometres (124 miles) of lakeshore and two legendary mountain ranges to explore.

Whether you come to see it, tee it or ski it, this historic corner of British Columbia, Canada, offers a rare mix of mountain lifestyle and all-but-metropolitan buzz, throughout four distinct seasons.

Nelson Kootenay Lake.

N e l s o n K o o t e n a y L a k e . c o m

Nelson

Kaslo

It’s a legendary little city where metropolitan meets the mountains, heritage and hip live side by side, and celebrations abound year ‘round.

Over a century ago, it was the heart of the gold and silver boom that helped build British Columbia. Today, Kaslo is coveted for its picture-perfect location, international-calibre backcountry and history that once made a very big splash…

With over 350 heritage buildings, the aptly nicknamed Heritage City is perfect for visitors who want a little taste of it all, away from it all.

Perfectly secluded.

Notoriously charming.

And set against a backdrop of incomparable peaks, beaches, fairways and fall lines...

Quietly famous for its trademark mix of culture, adventure, history and undeniably

From the historic Capitol Theatre to the state-of-the-art Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History and exhibit venue, one of North America’s best little music, theatre and arts scenes thrives amongst Baker Street’s surprisingly diverse selection of boutiques, independent retailers, outdoor stores and literally dozens of bistros, cafés and restaurants.

And the fun runs year ‘round, with events like summertime Art Walks, street and park markets, early autumn’s rumbling Queen City Cruise and winter’s steep, deep Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest.

Balfour/Ainsworth Hot Springs Two communities as serene as can be, cradled by the towering Selkirk and Purcell ranges, tee boxes, fishing docks, cottage beachfronts and simmering, soothing, natural hot springs.

Balfour is located in the heart of the Nelson Kootenay Lake region, and terminal for the 250-passenger MV Osprey 2000, which provides the longest free ferry ride in the world.

Here on Kootenay Lake and its beautiful West Arm there’s great fishing, boating, beach time and golf at the Balfour Golf Course, one of Western Canada’s most scenic and little-known 18-hole tracks.

A few minutes north, atop Kootenay Lake’s rugged western shoreline, the naturally steaming pools and caves of Ainsworth Hot Springs guarantee relaxation for folks in need of a soak or a few laidback days poolside.

Kaslo’s four-season allure rests in its incredible landscape and abundant wildlife — the village is surrounded by four provincial parks and conservation areas.

It’s heritage-rich main street takes you back to smalltown shopping the way it used to be, with smiling faces behind the counters of long-time local shops, eateries, galleries, and a number of artisan studios.

Kaslo’s claim to heritage fame is two-fold. Both the 162 foot SS Moyie—the world’s oldest intact sternwheeler—and the Village Hall are National Heritage Sites. Along with the Langham Cultural Centre, many of the community’s Victorian storefronts are beautifully restored.

The village’s frontiersman spirit roars loudest and proudest during Kaslo May Days and Logger Sports, followed by the renowned Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival.

In the summer, Meadow Creek is the gateway to Lardeau Country and some of the finest wilderness hiking, adventure and wildlife viewing in the region, while throughout the winter, the area offers some of the planet’s best cat and helicopter skiing.

authentic personality, the Nelson Kootenay Lake region is a destination unlike any other, anywhere.

This is a calm, wondrous part of the world, with over 200 kilometres (124 miles) of lakeshore and two legendary mountain ranges to explore.

Whether you come to see it, tee it or ski it, this historic corner of British Columbia, Canada, offers a rare mix of mountain lifestyle and all-but-metropolitan buzz, throughout four distinct seasons.

Nelson Kootenay Lake.

N e l s o n K o o t e n a y L a k e . c o m

Winter This is a powder paradise where mountain culture is as authentic as it gets. There are a number of explanations—15 in fact—as to why Powder Magazine chose the Nelson Kootenay Lake region as one of the “20 Best Places To Live To Ski” in North America.

Within an easy morning’s drive, there are several resorts including Whitewater Ski Resort, six cat-skiing operations, two heli-ski companies, six backcountry lodges and more touring than you’ll ever shred in a season.

Far out, but not out far, Nelson Kootenay Lake is located three hours’ driving time

seven hours from either Calgary

EDMONTON CALGARY

SEATTLE PORTLAND

The region is serviced by the West

Pedal throughout one of the most unique cycling destinations in the world, or get a leg up on one of hundreds of our scenic hiking routes, climbing trips or walking trails through ancient temperate rainforests and alpine ranges.

Kootenay Regional Airport, in nearby Castlegar,

For Riders, experience the quiet twisty roads with spectacular scenery around every turn. We’re Rider Friendly country, in every sense of the word!

Highway 3A from Kootenay Bay to Balfour. This

SPOKANE

with daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary.

The MV Osprey and MV Balfour ferries connect

35-45 minute trip is the longest and most scenic

KASLO

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS

free ferry ride in the world.

Check the ferry Schedule:

M

O

www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/kootenay_ferry.htm

BALFOUR

31

CRAWFORD BAY

I R

K

3A

3A

NELSON

3A

K

Tee up on superscenic mountainside fairways, fish for Kokanee salmon and trout, stroll, shop and dine, or pull up a seat at one of the warm weather season’s numerous festivals.

31

VANCOUVER

M O U N T A I N S

or Vancouver.

C E L L R U P

There’s accommodation of all sorts, from high-end to rugged and remote, easily accessed by car, camper, boots and bike. Camp under the stars. Or leisurely lounge poolside.

north of Spokane, Washington and

U N T A I N S

From sun-soaked sandy beaches to rivers and rapids, Nelson Kootenay Lake’s crystal clear waters are sure to float your boat.

L

And all this, within mere minutes of warm and wonderful après ski haunts offering delicious dining, historic pubs and soothing tubs.

Springtime here comes early and is quiet and lush. Summer sizzles.

And fall, warm and amazingly colourful, is outright electrified.

A four-seasons spectacle for the five senses

E

All winter, there’s pure Canadiana culture, with great snowmobiling, snowshoeing, rollicking local hockey tilts and yes…great fishing on Kootenay Lake!

Summer

S

From lift-accessed backcountry to multi-day adventures amidst epic isolation. Nordic skiing is easy to get to, with cross-country areas near Nelson, Whitewater, Kaslo and the nearby Slocan Valley; all track set, some by both day and night.

NelsonKootenayLake.com Printed in Canada.

Design by www.frolixdesign.com

Winter This is a powder paradise where mountain culture is as authentic as it gets. There are a number of explanations—15 in fact—as to why Powder Magazine chose the Nelson Kootenay Lake region as one of the “20 Best Places To Live To Ski” in North America.

Within an easy morning’s drive, there are several resorts including Whitewater Ski Resort, six cat-skiing operations, two heli-ski companies, six backcountry lodges and more touring than you’ll ever shred in a season.

Far out, but not out far, Nelson Kootenay Lake is located three hours’ driving time

seven hours from either Calgary

EDMONTON CALGARY

SEATTLE PORTLAND

The region is serviced by the West

Pedal throughout one of the most unique cycling destinations in the world, or get a leg up on one of hundreds of our scenic hiking routes, climbing trips or walking trails through ancient temperate rainforests and alpine ranges.

Kootenay Regional Airport, in nearby Castlegar,

For Riders, experience the quiet twisty roads with spectacular scenery around every turn. We’re Rider Friendly country, in every sense of the word!

Highway 3A from Kootenay Bay to Balfour. This

SPOKANE

with daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary.

The MV Osprey and MV Balfour ferries connect

35-45 minute trip is the longest and most scenic

KASLO

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS

free ferry ride in the world.

Check the ferry Schedule:

M

O

www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/kootenay_ferry.htm

BALFOUR

31

CRAWFORD BAY

I R

K

3A

3A

NELSON

3A

K

Tee up on superscenic mountainside fairways, fish for Kokanee salmon and trout, stroll, shop and dine, or pull up a seat at one of the warm weather season’s numerous festivals.

31

VANCOUVER

M O U N T A I N S

or Vancouver.

C E L L R U P

There’s accommodation of all sorts, from high-end to rugged and remote, easily accessed by car, camper, boots and bike. Camp under the stars. Or leisurely lounge poolside.

north of Spokane, Washington and

U N T A I N S

From sun-soaked sandy beaches to rivers and rapids, Nelson Kootenay Lake’s crystal clear waters are sure to float your boat.

L

And all this, within mere minutes of warm and wonderful après ski haunts offering delicious dining, historic pubs and soothing tubs.

Springtime here comes early and is quiet and lush. Summer sizzles.

And fall, warm and amazingly colourful, is outright electrified.

A four-seasons spectacle for the five senses

E

All winter, there’s pure Canadiana culture, with great snowmobiling, snowshoeing, rollicking local hockey tilts and yes…great fishing on Kootenay Lake!

Summer

S

From lift-accessed backcountry to multi-day adventures amidst epic isolation. Nordic skiing is easy to get to, with cross-country areas near Nelson, Whitewater, Kaslo and the nearby Slocan Valley; all track set, some by both day and night.

NelsonKootenayLake.com Printed in Canada.

Design by www.frolixdesign.com

Winter This is a powder paradise where mountain culture is as authentic as it gets. There are a number of explanations—15 in fact—as to why Powder Magazine chose the Nelson Kootenay Lake region as one of the “20 Best Places To Live To Ski” in North America.

Within an easy morning’s drive, there are several resorts including Whitewater Ski Resort, six cat-skiing operations, two heli-ski companies, six backcountry lodges and more touring than you’ll ever shred in a season.

Far out, but not out far, Nelson Kootenay Lake is located three hours’ driving time

seven hours from either Calgary

EDMONTON CALGARY

SEATTLE PORTLAND

The region is serviced by the West

Pedal throughout one of the most unique cycling destinations in the world, or get a leg up on one of hundreds of our scenic hiking routes, climbing trips or walking trails through ancient temperate rainforests and alpine ranges.

Kootenay Regional Airport, in nearby Castlegar,

For Riders, experience the quiet twisty roads with spectacular scenery around every turn. We’re Rider Friendly country, in every sense of the word!

Highway 3A from Kootenay Bay to Balfour. This

SPOKANE

with daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary.

The MV Osprey and MV Balfour ferries connect

35-45 minute trip is the longest and most scenic

KASLO

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS

free ferry ride in the world.

Check the ferry Schedule:

M

O

www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/kootenay_ferry.htm

BALFOUR

31

CRAWFORD BAY

I R

K

3A

3A

NELSON

3A

K

Tee up on superscenic mountainside fairways, fish for Kokanee salmon and trout, stroll, shop and dine, or pull up a seat at one of the warm weather season’s numerous festivals.

31

VANCOUVER

M O U N T A I N S

or Vancouver.

C E L L R U P

There’s accommodation of all sorts, from high-end to rugged and remote, easily accessed by car, camper, boots and bike. Camp under the stars. Or leisurely lounge poolside.

north of Spokane, Washington and

U N T A I N S

From sun-soaked sandy beaches to rivers and rapids, Nelson Kootenay Lake’s crystal clear waters are sure to float your boat.

L

And all this, within mere minutes of warm and wonderful après ski haunts offering delicious dining, historic pubs and soothing tubs.

Springtime here comes early and is quiet and lush. Summer sizzles.

And fall, warm and amazingly colourful, is outright electrified.

A four-seasons spectacle for the five senses

E

All winter, there’s pure Canadiana culture, with great snowmobiling, snowshoeing, rollicking local hockey tilts and yes…great fishing on Kootenay Lake!

Summer

S

From lift-accessed backcountry to multi-day adventures amidst epic isolation. Nordic skiing is easy to get to, with cross-country areas near Nelson, Whitewater, Kaslo and the nearby Slocan Valley; all track set, some by both day and night.

NelsonKootenayLake.com Printed in Canada.

Design by www.frolixdesign.com